Top 10: MINI Cooper S Highlights

Number 3

Well-framed

The MINI Cooper S boasts a chassis design that’s like no other vehicle on the road today. That design ensures the MINI’s suspension can focus more on delivering a go-kart-like experience for the driver, and less on compensating for body roll while on the twisties. The Torsional Rigidity also produces much less body torque, and helps prevent creaking, rattles, squeaks, and other unpleasantness in the cabin. And it’s not all about the performance either, this ultra rigid body also means the MINI, despite its small size, is able to withstand much greater forces should an accident occur.

Number 2

Sport mode

MINI didn’t just slap a turbo on the engine and an S badge on the back to claim a faster, sportier model in their lineup. In general, the Cooper S is, undoubtedly, equipped with much more grunt and pull than the base Cooper and Cooper Classic models. However, even more of the little beast’s power can be felt, and controlled better, with the push of a button. Located just at the base of the stick shift is a tiny button marked “sport.” We shouldn’t have to dare you to push it, you should automatically be drawn to it the moment you sit in the car — we know we were. Once the sport mode has been engaged, the Cooper S becomes tighter, more responsive and just downright ravenous for quick road maneuvers. For anyone still not in love with the all-electric throttle and it’s seemingly lagging response, once the sport mode has been activated, all that dull, controlled feeling just slips away. Throttle response is heightened and gear changes are lightening-quick and spot on. It’s almost impossible to think that the MINI could get much sportier than it already is… but somehow they managed.

Number 1

It’s a MINI

Really, there’s nothing better about a MINI Cooper than the sole fact that it is a MINI Cooper. There’s just something about looking out on your driveway and seeing that goofy, wide-mouthed grille starring back at you, knowing what a savage little engine lies beneath, that just makes you go all warm and fuzzy inside. And once you’re behind the wheel of the MINI Cooper S, you’ll realize that warm and fuzzy quickly disappears and is replaced with adrenaline-pumping exhilaration. Trust us. It may not look manly, but once you’ve engaged the clutch, revved the throttle and exploded from a stop, the testosterone will fly, and so will you.

size really doesn’t matter

The 2007 MINI Cooper S was just a joy to drive. And we’re pretty sure that no matter who you are, where you come from or what you’re driving ability and skills are; you’re going to fall in love with the MINI Cooper. It’s undeniable and bound to happen. We’ve been struck by the Cooper cupid and we’re not afraid to admit it. It’s damn fun to drive, and once you’ve slapped on the racing stripes, 17-inch wheels and maybe even beefed up the car’s performance abilities with a John Cooper Works package, you’ve got yourself a regular little street demon — so don’t be fooled by it’s endearing façade. You’ve been warned.